How to Hang a Picture

Stress-free picture hanging? Donít laugh. It is totally possible. Learn how to hang a picture the right way and never haggle over the process again. It's so easy!

The right height is not too high. Yes, there is a correct height for picture hanging. It is called a standard, and it's basically the same height galleries use for their installations. If it is good enough for the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, it is good enough for all of us. Never hang your pictures based on mood, your personal height, a guess or to align with the edges of another picture. Hang all pictures at 57 inches on center, and your entire home will be harmonious, with all the pictures making sense with one another. According to Apartment Therapy, on center refers to the center of the artwork or art work groupingónot the wall or anything else. The pictureís center should be exactly 57 inches from the floor.

Picture hanging steps. Gather all your supplies. You will need a level, a tape measure, a pencil and proper hanging hardware. Be sure the hardware you select is tough enough to handle the weight of your picture.

First, measure and lightly mark the spot on the wall that is 57 inches from the floor. Next, measure from the top of your picture to the middle, or find the total picture height and divide by 2. If your picture is 20 inches tall, the middle is at 10 inches. Measure from the top of your picture to the taut hanging wire on the back of the picture. For argumentís sake, let's say this is 2 inches. Subtract the wire measurement of 2 inches from the picture center measurement of 10 inches, or 8 inches, to tell you how far above 57 inches your hook should go. Measure up from 57 inches with this last amount and lightly mark on the wall. In this example, the second mark will be at 65 inches, or 8 inches plus 57 inches. Tap your picture fastener into the wall with a hammer. Keep your eye on the wall, not your finger, or you will smash your digit. Place the picture on the wall and level it with a small level so thereís no dispute. Or, you can check out the app for that.